Based on the 1922 German film, which is based on Bram Stroker's 1897 novel Dracula, Robert Eggers is set to bring the gothic supernatural horror film Nosferatu to everyone this Christmas. The film is a passion project for Eggers, who has been trying to bring this story to life for a long time. The carefully crafted horror film boasts an incredible lead performance, and we explain why you should check it out in theaters.
Nosferatu follows the obsessions between Ellen Hutter and the ancient Transylvanian vampire who is stalking her, Count Orlok, leading to untold horror. Hutter is played by Lily-Rose Depp, Count Orlok by Bill Skarsgard, and the film also stars Nicholas Hoult, Willem Dafoe, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
There seems to be a side of the fence you sit on when it comes to Robert Eggers, the director. Heading into Nosferatu, he directed The Witch, The Lighthouse, and The Northman. Some think he was 3-0, some think 1-2, and some even say 0-3. Regardless of where you sit, we can all agree that Eggers is a bold visionary in the space.
As you watch the movie, you can feel that Eggers was passionate about this project. Every single piece of this movie felt fine-tuned, leading to the incredible work that was presented to us. Eggers has never been better with his direction, but his writing of this story is perfect. I was in awe of the structure on which he built this film. Every sequence felt essential as we built up to the monumental ending.
Speaking of the ending, while I won't divulge any spoilers, I was so happy with his choice of ending the movie. Many films in 2024 have had strong first and second acts but failed to bring it all together. It never felt overstuffed or like a million things were going on. Instead, he paced this brilliantly and tied the bow at the end, making this one of the years.
Lily-Rose Depp, oh, the actress you are. By far, one of the best performances of 2024 comes from Depp as Ellen Hutter. Much of Depp's work in the film comes in the form of acting with her face and facial expressions. She had to convey this film's haunting aspect, which was challenging. Depp not only perfected the role of Hutter but delivered, in my opinion, the best performance by a lead actress in 2024.
The supporting cast was fantastic, boasting a strong ensemble. You have the creepy and terrifying Bill Skarsgard, who will haunt your dreams for days after seeing it. Entirely unrecognizable as Count Orlok, Skarsgard's voice is downright scary. It's one of the most terrifying performances we have ever seen in a horror movie.
Nosferatu is a masterpiece in every sense, from the haunting cinematography to the chilling score and powerful performance by Lily-Rose Depp. This is one of the year's best movies and a MUST-SEE on the big screen on Christmas day. Robert Eggers is one of the best visionaries in Hollywood, and I hope each of you shows up and supports this movie.
Nosferatu hits theaters on Christmas Day.